My Father’s Business

The Story

Every year, Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When Jesus was twelve years old, He went with them.

When the feast ended, they headed home with a large group of relatives and friends. They assumed Jesus was somewhere in the crowd. After a full day of travel, they looked for Him and couldn’t find Him anywhere.

They hurried back to Jerusalem. For three days they searched.

Finally, they found Him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers.

Mary said, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.”

Jesus answered, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”

They didn’t understand what He meant. But Jesus went home with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them. And Mary kept all these things in her heart.

The Bible says, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”

Reflection